Leifeng Xu | Plant Breeding | Innovative Research Award | 13540

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Dr. Leifeng Xu | Plant Breeding | Innovative Research Award 

Dr. Leifeng Xu, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Country, China

Dr. Leifeng Xu is an Associate Research Fellow at the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAS), China. As Head of the Lily Breeding Team, his research centers on lily genetics, breeding, and the molecular mechanisms of flower color formation. He has led two National Natural Science Foundation of China projects and contributed to over ten major national research initiatives. Dr. Xu has developed 12 lily cultivars, holds six invention patents, and helped establish an agricultural industry standard. He has published more than 30 academic papers, including over 20 SCI-indexed articles in leading journals.

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Leifeng Xu’s journey into the world of plant sciences began with a deep-rooted curiosity about the natural mechanisms behind plant diversity, particularly flowers. Born in China, he pursued undergraduate studies in plant sciences, where his fascination with ornamental plants flourished. Driven by an innate passion for genetics and plant development, Dr. Xu advanced to postgraduate studies, eventually earning his Ph.D. in Horticulture from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). His doctoral research emphasized plant molecular biology, with a particular focus on flower development, color expression, and breeding techniques—laying the groundwork for a specialized career in lily genetics and ornamental plant improvement.

Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Research Fellow at the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers (IVF) under CAAS, Dr. Xu leads the Lily Breeding Team—a role that combines strategic leadership, scientific inquiry, and technological application. Throughout his career, he has been at the forefront of lily breeding, genetics, and molecular biology, balancing practical breeding programs with in-depth lab research.

Dr. Xu has presided over two prestigious projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and has played a pivotal role in more than 10 major national research initiatives, including the National Key R&D Program, National Science and Technology Support Program, and the National Agricultural Industry Technology Project. His work directly contributes to national priorities in agricultural sustainability, floriculture commercialization, and food system resilience.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Xu’s primary research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms governing lily flower color formation, a complex trait involving multiple genes and metabolic pathways. His studies have explored flavonoid biosynthesis, pigment gene expression, and gene-editing approaches to control or enhance floral coloration.

Under his guidance, the team has developed 12 novel lily cultivars, each marked by improved aesthetics, disease resistance, and adaptability. These cultivars are now part of China’s commercial floriculture offerings and have enhanced the country’s competitiveness in the global flower market.

In addition, Dr. Xu holds 6 national invention patents related to plant breeding technologies and flower color regulation. He also contributed to drafting an agricultural industry standard issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, solidifying his role in shaping national policy and practice in ornamental horticulture.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Xu has received multiple institutional and national recognitions for his scientific innovations and practical contributions . His reputation in academic circles is reinforced by his 30+ academic publications, with more than 20 SCI-indexed papers published in high-impact journals such as Plant Physiology, Horticulture Research, Plant Science, and Plant Cell Reports.

He is also a reviewer for leading international journals, including Plant Physiology, Plant Science, and the Horticultural Plant Journal, contributing to the scientific community’s growth by evaluating and enhancing the quality of research publications.

Publications

 📘Cloning and Expression Analysis of Three LdBBXs in Lilium davidii var. willmottiae – Biotechnology Bulletin(2025)
📘Corrigendum to “Lily (Lilium spp.) LhERF061 suppresses anthocyanin biosynthesis by inhibiting LhMYBSPLATTER and LhDFR expression and interacting with LhMYBSPLATTER”- Plant Physiology and Biochemistry(2025)
📘Identification of cis-acting elements recognized by transcription factor LlWOX11 in Lilium lancifolium – Physiologia Plantarum(2025)

 

Li Zhou | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award | 13329

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Li Zhou | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Li Zhou, Jiangnan University, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Li Zhou is a researcher at Jiangnan University, specializing in microbial metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. Holding a Ph.D. in Fermentation Engineering, Dr. Zhou has made significant contributions to the biosynthesis of value-added compounds such as L-alanine, D-lactate, and terpenoids with industrial applications. With 66 journal publications and collaborations with Zhejiang University, University of Stellenbosch, and Durban University of Technology, Dr. Zhou has advanced dynamic metabolic engineering frameworks for sustainable biomanufacturing. His research is widely recognized, with 1,649 citations, three patents, and impactful contributions to metabolic engineering and biotechnology.

Profile

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Li Zhou’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in biotechnology, leading him to pursue a Ph.D. in Fermentation Engineering from Jiangnan University. His doctoral research focused on optimizing microbial pathways to enhance fermentation efficiency, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to microbial metabolic engineering. Through rigorous training and an in-depth understanding of synthetic biology, Dr. Zhou developed expertise in engineering microbial systems for industrial applications, particularly in biosynthesis and bio-based production.

Professional Endeavors 🌍

Since joining the School of Biotechnology at Jiangnan University as an Associate Professor in 2012, Dr. Zhou has dedicated himself to advancing microbial metabolic engineering. Over the past decade, he has worked on multiple research projects, applying innovative synthetic biology approaches to microbial cell factories. His collaborations with Zhejiang University, the University of Stellenbosch, and Durban University of Technology have led to groundbreaking studies published in high-impact journals such as Bioresource Technology and Metabolic Engineering.

Dr. Zhou has also contributed to industrial advancements, bridging the gap between academia and real-world applications. His consultancy work has facilitated the implementation of bio-based solutions in commercial settings, further reinforcing the relevance of his research to sustainable manufacturing.

Contributions and Research Focus 👩‍�

Dr. Zhou specializes in microbial metabolic engineering, with a particular emphasis on optimizing Escherichia coli for efficient biosynthesis of high-value compounds. His research has led to the industrial-scale production of:

  • L-Alanine: Used as a food additive for enhanced nutritional value.
  • D-Lactate: A crucial component in the production of biodegradable plastics.
  • Terpenoids: Essential for pharmaceutical intermediates, supporting drug development and medical research.

One of Dr. Zhou’s most notable achievements is the establishment of dynamic metabolic engineering frameworks that enable precise regulation of microbial cell factories. His methodologies have significantly improved biomanufacturing efficiency, reducing resource consumption while maximizing yield. His work aligns with global sustainability efforts, promoting environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional chemical synthesis.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Zhou’s research contributions have earned him recognition within the scientific community. With an impressive citation index of 1,649, his work has been widely referenced, influencing subsequent studies in microbial engineering. He has published 66 peer-reviewed journal articles in prestigious scientific databases such as SCI and Scopus, contributing to the global body of knowledge in biomanufacturing.

Additionally, he holds three patents, underscoring his commitment to translating academic research into tangible technological advancements. His innovative approaches have been acknowledged by leading institutions, further solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the field of metabolic engineering.

Publication Top Notes

Dynamically metabolic engineering overflow metabolism for efficient production of l-alanine in Escherichia coli

Contributors: Jinyang Li; Jiawen Shen; Wuyue Ye; Xinyan Tang; Zhiyu Wang; Muyun Geng; Yunye Liu; Xianzhong Chen; Li Zhou

Journal: Bioresource Technology
Year: 2025
Corrigendum to “Metabolic engineering of glycolysis in Escherichia coli for efficient production of patchoulol and τ-cadinol”
Contributors: Zhou, L.; Wang, Q.; Shen, J.; Li, Y.; Zhang, H.; Zhang, X.; Yang, S.; Jiang, Z.; Wang, M.; Li, J. et al.

Journal: Bioresource Technology
Contributors: Zhou, L.; Wang, Q.; Shen, J.; Li, Y.; Zhang, H.; Zhang, X.; Yang, S.; Jiang, Z.; Wang, M.; Li, J. et al.
Journal: Bioresource Technology
Year: 2024

Youssef Bencharki | Crop Improvement | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Youssef Bencharki | Crop Improvement | Best Researcher Award

Research assistant of ICARDA, Morocco.

Dr. Youssef Bencharki is a dedicated researcher with extensive experience in agricultural science and biodiversity conservation. He holds a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Mons/Belgium, with a specialization in the innovative Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach. Throughout his academic and professional journey, Dr. Bencharki has actively contributed to research projects focused on enhancing agricultural sustainability and resilience to climate change. With a solid foundation in field experimentation and data analysis, Dr. Bencharki has conducted numerous studies to evaluate the impact of FAP on crop productivity and farmer livelihoods. His expertise extends to socio-economic assessments, habitat enhancement, and farmer training initiatives aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Bencharki’s dedication to research excellence and his commitment to addressing pressing agricultural challenges make him a valuable asset to the scientific community.

 

 

Professional Profiles:

Education

Dr. Youssef Bencharki earned his PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Mons, Belgium, in 2024. His doctoral thesis focused on the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach at different field scales in Morocco. Prior to this, he completed a Master’s degree in Agro Resources, Plant Biotechnology, and Environment at the Faculty of Science, University Chouaib Doukkali, El Jadida, between 2013 and 2015. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science and Environment from the Faculty of Science, Khouribga, University Hassan I, in 2013. Dr. Bencharki also holds a Diploma of General University Studies in Plant Science from the same institution, completed in 2012. His academic journey began with a Baccalaureate in Experimental Sciences from Othman Ben Affan High School in Berrechid, achieved in 2010.

Professional Experience

Since October 2017, Dr. Youssef Bencharki has been a Senior Research Assistant at ICARDA, focusing on the “Biodiversity and Crop Improvement” program. He has contributed to major projects on the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach, involving sustainable intensification of faba bean production and pollinator diversity conservation. His duties include farmer selection, experimental design, field supervision, beneficial insect identification, and socio-economic assessments. He has trained farmers and national researchers in agricultural sustainability and biodiversity conservation. Previously, from March 2016 to September 2017, Dr. Bencharki served as a Consultant in ICARDA’s Genetic Resources section, where he characterized cereal and legume phenotypes, supervised seed processing, and conducted viability testing. He also gained experience in food quality control and microbiological analysis during short-term appointments at the Pasteur Institute Casablanca and Dairy Center El Jadida.

Research Interest

Dr. Youssef Bencharki’s research interests span a range of interdisciplinary topics within agricultural sciences and environmental sustainability. His primary focus is on the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach, where he investigates the impact of this method on different crops, including both pollinator-dependent and independent varieties. Additionally, he is interested in the socio-economic outcomes of agricultural practices, particularly how these practices affect farmers’ incomes and perceptions. Dr. Bencharki’s expertise also extends to plant biotechnology, where he has explored the effects of various treatments on plant androgenesis, and to the morphological and agronomic evaluation of crop varieties. His work contributes to sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and the enhancement of crop productivity through innovative and eco-friendly farming techniques.

Award and Honors

Dr. Youssef Bencharki has received recognition for his contributions to agricultural research and sustainability. His awards and honors include commendation for his work on the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach, which has garnered attention for its innovative and eco-friendly methods. Additionally, his efforts in advancing agricultural practices in Morocco have been acknowledged by organizations and institutions involved in promoting sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Through his dedication to improving farming techniques and enhancing crop productivity while preserving environmental integrity, Dr. Bencharki has earned accolades for his impactful contributions to the field of agricultural science.

Research Skills

Dr. Youssef Bencharki possesses a diverse set of research skills honed through years of experience in agricultural research. His expertise encompasses various aspects of research methodologies and techniques relevant to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Specifically, Dr. Bencharki is proficient in field experimentation, data collection, and analysis, with a focus on assessing the impact of innovative farming practices such as the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach. He is skilled in designing and implementing experimental trials, conducting socio-economic evaluations, and analyzing the ecological implications of agricultural interventions. Additionally, Dr. Bencharki has demonstrated proficiency in scientific writing, including the preparation of research reports, peer-reviewed publications, and technical manuals aimed at disseminating research findings to diverse audiences. His research skills reflect a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in agricultural systems and a commitment to advancing sustainable practices for the benefit of both farmers and the environment.

Publications

  1. Title: The pollinator conservation approach “Farming with Alternative Pollinators”: Success and drivers
    • Authors: A. Sentil, P. Lhomme, S. Reverté, A. Ssymank, S. Christmann
    • Journal: Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment
    • Volume: 369
    • Page: 109029
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  2. Title: “Farming with alternative pollinators” provides benefits also in large-scale fields
    • Authors: Y. Bencharki, D. Michez, O. Ihsane, P. Rasmont, S. Christmann
    • Journal: Acta Oecologica
    • Volume: 122
    • Page: 103978
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  3. Title: ‘Farming with alternative pollinators’ approach supports diverse and abundant pollinator community in melon fields in a semi-arid landscape
    • Authors: Y. Bencharki, S. Christmann, P. Lhomme, P. Rasmont, D. Michez
    • Journal: Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems
    • Volume: 38
    • Page: e6
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 3
  4. Title: Wild vegetation and ‘farming with alternative pollinators’ approach support pollinator diversity in farmland
    • Authors: A. Sentil, S. Reverté, P. Lhomme, S. Christmann, D. Michez
    • Journal: Journal of Applied Entomology
    • Volume: 146
    • Issue: 9
    • Pages: 1155–1168
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 2
  5. Title: Diversity and Relative Abundance of Insect Pollinators in Moroccan Agroecosystems
    • Authors: I. El Abdouni, P. Lhomme, S. Christmann, P. Rasmont, D. Michez
    • Journal: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
    • Volume: 10
    • Article: 866581
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 5
  6. Title: Impact of the “Farming With Alternative Pollinators” Approach on Crop Pollinator Pollen Diet
    • Authors: A. Sentil, T.J. Wood, P. Lhomme, S. Christmann, D. Michez
    • Journal: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
    • Volume: 10
    • Article: 824474
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 6
  7. Title: Farming with Alternative Pollinators benefits pollinators, natural enemies, and yields, and offers transformative change to agriculture
    • Authors: S. Christmann, Y. Bencharki, S. Anougmar, A. Tsivelikas, A. Aw-Hassan
    • Journal: Scientific Reports
    • Volume: 11
    • Issue: 1
    • Article: 18206
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 14